Strokes often affect an individuals physical, cognitive, and emotional functioning.

Occupational Therapists (OTs) are trained to assess an individuals difficulties and how they are impacting their ability to complete daily activities. OTs can establish a rehabilitation plan that aims to aid recovery and improve an individual’s ability to perform activities.

Assessments:

• An assessment can include establishing how the stroke has impacted an individual and how it has affected the person's ability to do everyday activities (called Activities of Daily Living or ADLs), such as dressing, bathing, cooking, writing, etc

Cognitive Rehabilitation:

• Training in memory strategies, organization, and attention.

• Helping relearn how to plan, sequence, and safely complete tasks.

Physical & Motor Rehabilitation:

• Fine motor skill retraining – e.g., hand and finger coordination, gripping, manipulating tools or objects.

• Strengthening and coordination exercises – especially for the affected side of the body.

• Use of adaptive equipment to make tasks easier (e.g., one-handed dressing aids, modified utensils).

Home and Environmental Adaptation:

• Assessing and modifying the home or workplace to support independence and safety in own home.

Visual-Perceptual & Sensory Retraining:

• Exercises for visual field deficits, neglect, or depth perception issues.

• Retraining for sensory processing – like safely detecting hot/cold or touch on the affected side.

What Can Stroke Rehabilitation include?